. thinking out loud #90 .

1. Before I left for my trip, I had all these high hopes of taking lots of food pics so that I could share a camping-style What I Ate Wednesday with you guys… buuuuuut as you probably already guessed, that didn’t end up happening. The only food pics I did end up snapping were these two…

… which honestly felt like gourmet meals after mornings of straight black coffee and afternoons of plain bread with almond butter and jam. That being said, even those things tasted pretty amazing out in the fresh air…

2. Nope! Wait, I lied. I did manage one more food pic…

Cinnamon roasted almonds, chocolate chips, and raisins — never leave home without it

3. Where I failed on the food front, though, I more than made up for on scenery… so let’s get to recapping!

It pains me to admit that, despite the fact that I’ve been to Jasper more times than I can count in my 29 years of life, this was the first time I actually made the trip out to Maligne. I can’t even imagine how many other hidden gems I’ve passed by without even knowing it. Gah! So many things to see…

… where we contemplated going on a boat tour for all of about 2 minutes before deciding that 2.5 hours was a little too long to spend on a boat. I don’t know about you guys, but I can handle being on a boat for about 10 minutes before I start getting antsy and tempted to jump overboard. Even if there are plenty of things to see, I need to be able to move around and explore.

… which offered some pretty amazing views of Jasper and the surrounding mountain ranges…

As well as a hike through an alpine tundra to the top of Whistler’s Mountain…

7. Holy.snap this recap is getting long Almost done — promise!

8. So… white water rafting…

Such a rush. This was my fourth (maybe fifth?) time going, and I freaking love it. Definitely something I recommend everyone experience if they get the chance.

9. Also… if you ever volunteer to be part of the safety demonstration, be prepared to get very close to your guide. Not that I’m complaining… Safety first!

10. And to finish things off, we took a trip out to the Columbia Icefields on Day 3 to take a walk on the Athabasca Glacier before making the trip back home…

And that’s that! It’s kind of hard to believe that we managed to do all that over the course of three days, but that would explain why I haven’t been able to get enough food in me lately! Now to start planning my next trip with the fam… We were thinking of heading out to BC again, so if anyone has any suggestions for must-see places, let me know!

Oh heavens Amanda – my breath has been taken away – thank you for the pictures of Maligne Canyon/Lake, Jasper and Whistler Mtn…errr…and the guide ;). All I can say is WOW!
Sounds like you had a truly awe-inspiring trip!
So…how long do you think it’s gonna take for you and the fami to drive down to Atlanta, Georgia? Because that’s my suggestion for y’all…Shashi @ RunninSrilankan recently posted..Mystery Shake Ingredient Reveal…

Aw mannn now I want to go to Canada even more!! Still dreaming of my big Northern America adventure… I even looked up flights to LA the other day…and then quickly closed the screen when I saw the price
Looks like the ideal weekend! Definitely an excuse to stock up on food now as well (not that you need an excuse ha but you catch my drift!)Pip {Cherries & Chisme} recently posted..{WIAW} Whole 30 – Day 1

Er whaaat- is this real life! The pics especially from Maligne Canyon look incredible…even the white water rafting! As much as I’d love for you to come visit, I think we’ll have to meet in your hood- so much beauty! Random question- what camera do you use? Am looking to buy a new one so if you have any recommendations/advice, please share :)!Khushboo recently posted..Sick week recap

You know I’d be up for the ice oaf you coming to visit And I use a Canon EOS7D. It’s a little bit on the pricier side, but it’s all sorts of amazing. I’ve heard people rave about the Canon Rebel, though, so that might be one to look into as well!

Holy wow!!!! SO many amazing views and yes, I also want to jump overboard if I’m “trapped” on a boat too long. BC is absolutely on my list of places I will go…when the kids are older Going camping in Maine next week. Somehow I think it will be a little less dramatic…Allie recently posted..Why I Shouldn’t Go Trail Running (Guest Post with Miss Zippy)

Your pictures are AMAZING! I feel as though I am on the trip with you. Wow! Looks like an amazing time. Not that your nut, chocolate and raisin picture isn’t great, too. Brynn recently posted..The Big A

Holy Moly, yeah those photos are absolutely lovely and thank you for sharing. It looks like you had a great time. You always take the best vacations. I’m so jealous!Hollie recently posted..Enjoying a Simple Healthy Life

That’s only because I don’t talk about getting eaten by mosquitos, waking up freezing in the middle of the night, or having to stop and use literally one of the dirtiest gas station bathrooms that I’ve ever seen There’s always some bad with the good… I guess it all depends what you focus on.

Such beautiful pictures!! Now I want to go camping and especially out west. Looks like you covered a lot in just a 3 day trip, which is awesome! Love those kind of trips!!Alicia recently posted..Thinking Out Loud #2

Stunning pictures Amanda, you must have had a wonderful time! My heart always goes a little pitter patter thinking about mountains and white water rafting and hiking! Carrying the kids in a backpack is a great workout too =) Glad you enjoyed your trip. And I know it’s random, but don’t you just love pizza and fruit, it’s the best I think!!!Laura @ Raise Your Garden recently posted..Build A Cheap Raised Bed From Pallets

Awesome pics!
I live in Waterloo which is as flat as can be so it’s so strange to see actual mountains in Canada haha Strange that mountains are one of the things I missed when I moved here from Trinidad although I always used to complain about living on a hill back home lolGiselleR @ Diary of an ExSloth recently posted..Garlic Shrimp Pasta with Roasted Beets

Beautiful pics, girl! Just FYI, in #6, it says “Japer” where I think you meant to say “Jasper.” Looks like you had an awesome time!
We went on a week-long cruise a couple of years ago that stopped several places in Alaska and 1 stop in Canada (Victoria, I think). The scenery looks really similar (read: breathtakingly incredible) to some waterfalls we sailed by en route.http://www.youtube.com/sparklesandsuch26Ella recently posted..Quick and Easy Healthy Breakfast Ideas for Summer!

Problem. I’ve never been to Jasper. It’s on ‘my list’ and I’m hoping to make it there within the next couple weeks. I also want to do the skywalk even though it’s super touristy.Jo @ Living Mint Green recently posted..It’s hard to believe this exists.

Never? But it’s so close to you! Jasper itself isn’t as pretty as Banff, but the surrounding area is gorgeous — a lot more wild. And the Icefields Parkway is SUCH a gorgeous drive. You need to make the trip, stat!

I can hardly handle those views. So. freaking. beautiful.
And I NEED to go river rafting, never done that before! I hope it’s possible to check out the guide beforehand Lucie@FitSwissChick recently posted..What I Ate Wednesday and an important question

And this is why I need to go west. Go hiking with me?
I want to go white water rafting but I’m a horrible swimmer and I’m pretty sure I’d die. Although, I’d be more than ok with that guide saving my life (AH! I’m allowed to say things like that guilt-free now!)Sam @ Better With Sprinkles recently posted..Getting Back to Strength Training.

All of those pictures are amazing! White water rafting looks kind of scary. I went when I was like 10 and wasn’t scared of anything but I don’t know if I would do it again!Lisa @ Running Out Of Wine recently posted..TOL #14: The Beach, Blogging, and Running

White water rafting is so much fun! I went a few years ago and went on the “baby” path (versus the more intense course). I think I can step it up next time Cinnamon roasted almonds…homemade?!?Emily Joseph recently posted..TOL: Sunsets and Sneakers

Wow. I can’t even handle how beautiful that is. All of it. Looks like an absolutely amazing trip. And whitewater rafting! I applaud you. I’m way too scared to do that!Ang @ Nutty for Life recently posted..Thinking Out Loud: Weird Edition

It’s actually shameful how little of Canada I have seen. When people are like ‘I hear Canada is beautiful!” I’m like “really? the hobos outside my window and the CN tower aren’t that pretty…” And then I remember Banff and am reminded that maybeeeee I should consider everything outside Toronto as part of Canada lolDavida @ The Healthy Maven recently posted..{Blogging As A Business} Yes, I Am A Full-Time Blogger.

Oh wow. Those are some stunning views out there. While I grew up in the countryside I’ve never seen nature like that. If I ever manage to travel to Canada that’s where I want to go. Minus the wild water rafting, though. I might be an Aquarius but those kind of water activities scare me like crazy.Miss Polkadot recently posted..Small [talk], big [happiness impact]

We are roadtripping to Vancouver at the end of August, and are planning on hiking in Jasper for a break – and definitely will be checking out Maligne! Also, Revelstoke – if you get a chance, I would definitely recommend popping in there. One of my absolute favourite places!Emma @ Life’s A Runner recently posted..Thinking Out Loud: SCARY Post Long Run + 18th Birthday!

Cinnamon almonds, raisins, and chocolate….ugh sounds so good! Especially since I drown my pancakes in cinnamon right now haha. And that water is so gorgeous!! I just want to jump in!! I mean probably not though because it’s cold haha. And white water rafting??? Lucky! That is still on my bucket list…one day Chelsea @ A Fit LittleOne recently posted..Yoga Obsessedd { TOL #21 & Healthy Habits }

Ok I’m not a huge mountain person, but you just made me want to go camping real bad haha. Everything you guys saw looks absolutely gorgeous, especially those waterfalls. And the mountain range climbs look like something out of lord of the rings, which I’ve been on a kick with again (comfort movie at its finest for me), which would make me climb it in a heartbeat Caitlin recently posted..Life Happens

Oh my goodness, everything is GORGEOUS! So glad to see that you had a beautiful trip. I would loveee to go white water rafting one day! Actually, I would love to go to western Canada to visit you and Jo and just do all things nature there.Alison @ Daily Moves and Grooves recently posted..Behind the Scenes #27: I Hurt Myself Doing Yoga

Amanda,
I live in BC and recently went to check out the new Squamish Sea to Sky Gondola. You ride the gondola up the mountain (I rode the gondola, but… if you choose to, you can hike the “Chief”, but be prepared to hike for more than 4 hours….). There was an amazing view and a scenic trail on top of the mountain! I’d highly recommend, especially since it’s on the way to Whistler on the Sea to Sky highway.

Thanks so much for the suggestion, Angela! I just Googled it, and it’s a little out of the way of the route we were planning on taking, but maaaaaybe I can convince my parents to make a little detour, because it looks absolutely stunning!

Looks beautiful!
I have been white water rafting and did enjoy it – although it was February, Scotland and absolutely freezing! I was so scared about going over the side of the boat… Then again even if it was summer I would still be scared of going overboard!Jen @ Chase the Red Grape recently posted..Foodie Anniversary Dinner!

Oh my golly girl it looks like you had a blast! So much outdoor time!! I enjoyed being outside this weekend but am realizing that although I LOVE being outside…
a. my allergies hate me and attack me for two straight days after a weekend outside
b. mosquitos love me and I get a nice large welt from each bite.

I tried whitewater rafting a long time ago and remember it really was a rush! I felt like we could tip over at any time but it was so fun and the scenery was gorgeous!!Amanda @ Diary of a Semi-Health Nut recently posted..Weekend Treats, Trying New Things + Blog Traffic

I am NOT a camper, but those views are amazing. Thanks for sharing the pis, they are gorgeous! Have a great rest of the week! xoxo, ganeebanGaneeban recently posted..Thinking Out Loud – Perceived Reality

SHUUUTTUPPP!! This is SO MY VACATION. I LOVE it, I want to go on this trip right now. Those cinnamon nuts look so bomb, perfect for exploration fuel. I am seriously swooning over ALL of these photos. That rock built man is the best trail marker I’ve ever seen.Brittany recently posted..Garden Harvest – Summer Veggie Salad Recipe

Looks like an amazing adventure! We’ve all been having some fun traveling this summer, haven’t we? Making memories! (and appetites…)Casey @ Casey the College Celiac recently posted..Happy: Houston Highlights

Hahaha I definitely wouldn’t mind having some safety demonstrations done on me with that guide. All in the name of safety, of course ;). Andddd such gorgeous pictures! We need to trade places sometime so I can get more of the mountains. I’ll fork over the ocean for a while ;)!Christine@ Apple of My Eye recently posted..Thinking Out Loud

I’m so jealous of your weekend! I’ve never been to Jasper, never gone white water rafting AND never been to the glaciers.
They’re all on my list, but sadly, might have to wait until next summer.
Bloggy meetup in Jasper? Ange @ Cowgirl Runs recently posted..Just do your best

What a beautiful trip! I missed out on knowing you were going away since I was away, but I loved seeing all the beauty you were surrounded with. I have never been white water rafting. I went spalunking, but yet white water rafting scares me, lol. I don’t know how that really equals out. I love the water, but I’m afraid I’ll fall off and die!Heather @fitncookies recently posted..Our 1st Anniversary

Beautiful pictures! Man, I could really go for a weekend in the wilderness right now! Maybe I’ll just have to settle for a ‘technology free’ weekend instead… Alysia @ Slim Sanity recently posted..Diabetes in the United States

Your trip looks amazing! There was a small chance that I was going to get to go to Alberta for work but I think that chance is now 0… so jealous, it looks BEAUTIFUL!!Cassie recently posted..Blueberry and Fig Overnight Oatmeal

You have me cracking up with the getting close to your guide comment! What were you doing there, Ms. Amanda?! I’m so glad you had such a great time!Becky @ Olives n Wine recently posted..Bullying sucks.

White water rafting is a total rush! It’s been over 10 years since I went, but I absolutely loved it. It was also completely terrifying, but worth the experience. Love all your pics!Kelly @ Kelly Runs for Food recently posted..Impromptu Date Night

Breathtaking!! You live in such a beautiful part of the world.
I love the pic of you with the guide too, haha. Oh my.
I’ve been white water rafting twice and the second time I fell out and got stock in a rapid.
The guide kept yelling for me to put my feet up- yeah, easier said then done. I eventually bobbed out of it but it was scary! I’d do it again though.Sarah @ Making Thyme for Health recently posted..Sundried Tomato Pesto Pizza

GIRL! I would love to go there one day. My law literally dropped when I saw all of those beautiful views! Definitely on my travel bucket list. I am so happy to see you had a fun and beautiful time. I just love nature. ^_^Natalie @ lovenataliemarie recently posted..Letting Go

I am SO jealous of that hike and white water rafting – both look incredible and your photos are simply beautiful. What a great shot of all the fun you had and the beautiful area. Seriously how did you take that picture with all that water splashing up? It’s amazing Amanda!!Chelsea @chelseasmessyapron recently posted..{30-minute} Triple-Decker Fudgy Chocolate Waffle Pie

The views from that Tram, oh my word…LOVE! I love rafting, have only been a few times but always so much fun. The first time I went i was pretty young and went rafting in Yellowstone, I tell you what…if you ever get a chance to go there…you’d love it! Glad you had a wonderful trip!Laura @losingrace recently posted..Brick by Brick

Hey! I just stumbled upon your blog and immediately recognized the Canadian scenery- love it! It’s awesome finding other Canadian bloggers, especially west coasters! Looks like you had a great time Nicole @ Squash on Squash recently posted..Trader Joe’s, You Did It Again

I went hiking with the Hubby yesterday and it reminded me of our hike in Utah, so much so I told the Hubby all about it. We didn’t hike any mountains like these, although we definitely had some changes in elevation so much so my glutes and hammies feel it today.

You’re pictures are fabulous. In fact, I think the rock formation on top of the mountain is doing horse pose. Not the most attractive yoga pose, but effective nonetheless.

I have always wanted to try white water rafting. It sounds like a blast, especially if you get to be the safety example (wink, wink).

Hello, hello friendly faces! My name is Amanda. I'm a certified health coach, recipe developer, and the mastermind behind Running With Spoons -- a little corner of the web where I share delicious recipes, healthy lifestyle tips, and various other bits and bobs that run through my head. You can learn more about me here, or e-mail me with any questions at
runwithspoons@hotmail.com